Students currently enrolled in a community college, undergraduate, masters, or PhD program in Southern California are invited to apply for the 2027 cohort of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Community, Equity, Learning, and Persistence (CELP) Scholar Program. The program provides both individual networking opportunities and community building events for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields related to the ocean.
Applications are now open and are due by 5:00 p.m. on October 20, 2026. Recipients will each receive $10,000 to support their continued persistence in the field. Throughout the year, CELP Scholars are invited to participate in Aquarium programs to explore career paths, engage in professional development sessions facilitated by alumni, join a growing community of scholars who gather online and in-person, receive a quarterly e-newsletter, and present at the annual Scholar Symposium in fall 2027.
“Our CELP Scholars get to lean on the Aquarium to meet professionals, gain skills, and explore new aspects of marine science,” said Jennie Dean, vice president of conservation and policy. “Not only are they exploring individual interests, CELP Scholars contribute to a supportive community of peers who celebrate and encourage each other. It is truly inspiring to see the scholars grow and learn from us and each other.”
The Aquarium’s CELP Scholar Program seeks to broaden participation in marine sciences, help more students find their own community in STEM, and support students’ persistence in the field. With this program, the Aquarium looks to bring a greater variety of lived experiences to the challenge of ensuring a healthy and sustainable ocean for everyone. “Being a part of CELP has lifted my confidence in myself as a person and as a future scientist. I hope to apply the experiences, perspectives, and other learning goals to my life,” said Elias Zamora, CELP Scholar Program alum.
The Aquarium plans to announce the 2027 cohort of CELP Scholars in March 2027. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a Southern California school through December 2027 and commit to active participation in the program. An information session will be held virtually on September 29, 2026, and will be recorded for those unable to attend and available to view online. For additional information about eligibility and the application process or to apply, please visit the CELP Scholars webpage. Students who identify as a member of groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM, marine science, and conservation fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants of any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability, or veteran status are welcome.
The CELP Scholar Program is supported by contributions. For the 2026 Long Beach Gives campaign, the Aquarium is fundraising for the CELP Scholar Program with support from an anonymous donor who will be matching donations up to $10,000. The public can have their impact doubled by giving online September 17-24 on their website here. Donations are also accepted year-round on the giving page here.
AQUARIUM: The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to world-class conservation, outstanding animal welfare, and connecting people to nature through more than 12,000 animals and one hundred exhibits including Jelly Dreamscapes. In addition to its public education programs for all ages, the Aquarium is involved in numerous conservation efforts, including breeding endangered animals for release, rehabilitating rescued species, community science programs, and more. The Aquarium is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation program in Greater Los Angeles. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.
Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.
